Bernardo Silva expertly flicked us ahead after 26 minutes, before swift Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon goals had the hosts in control at the interval.
De Bruyne was introduced from the bench with just over 20 minutes of normal time remaining and he had an immediate impact, netting the leveller after just four minutes on the pitch.
With the clock in stoppage time, the Belgian produced a sensational pass to Oscar Bobb, who calmly controlled and finished to earn a crucial three points at St James’ Park.
“It was crazy! I missed this, you know,” said De Bruyne after the game. “It is what it is. I had a big injury and needed the time. I enjoyed myself and I worked hard.
“To come here to this stadium, this environment, it was more willpower than anything, it was crazy.
“It’s more willpower than sharpness. I know I can’t do that for 90 minutes for the moment. I can put in a shift for 20-25 minutes at full pace. It can’t be any better than this.
“To come here, it’s a difficult ground. Everyone was happy for me with everything that has happened. We want to try again to compete for the league. To win here, it’s a tough game so it’s important.”
The midfielder also reserved praise for Bobb, after the youngster netted his first ever top-flight goal.
De Bruyne also spoke about his time on the sidelines and how that has helped him work on new aspects of his personal and professional life, with hope for even more match sharpness in the near future.
“The way I play, it’s assists. Obviously, it’s great to score a goal too. The pass is good. The run from Oscar [Bobb] is amazing.
“The control at that pace and to go round the goalkeeper is top. If he doesn’t run I can’t pass, he dictates what I can do.
“I don’t know what to expect. I never experienced this situation in my 14 years in football, being out.
“When you play all the time, it’s difficult to do different things. I think I’ve found out a few things and I hope I can maintain that.
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“Honestly, it has not been hard [being sidelined]. The beginning is a big blow. But I’m not a person who stands still, and thinks of what could have not happened. I’m happy to be back and to compete.
“I know I need to keep doing what I do and work hard and get sharpness. Hopefully I can get the upwards trajectory.”
